Terms and Conditions 1. Introduction These Terms and Conditions apply to all pre-purchase veterinary examinations (“PPEs” or “vettings”) carried out by EB Equine. A PPE is a standardised clinical examination performed on behalf of a prospective purchaser to assess veterinary factors that may influence suitability for intended use. It is an opinion based on findings at the time of examination only and is not a guarantee of future soundness, performance, or longevity. By proceeding with a PPE, the Client confirms acceptance of these Terms. 2. Purpose of the Examination The PPE aims to: Identify clinical abnormalities or lameness Assess suitability for the purchaser’s intended use Provide an objective veterinary opinion at the time of examination Support informed, risk-based purchasing decisions Each PPE is specific to the horse, purchaser, and intended use and is not transferable. 3. Examination Stages (BEVA-aligned 5-stage PPE) Pre-purchase examinations are conducted in accordance with a structured five-stage protocol, consistent with professional guidance. Not all stages may be completed if clinically indicated or if the horse fails earlier assessment. Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination (Static Evaluation) Identification (microchip and passport verification) General physical examination at rest Cardiovascular and respiratory auscultation Examination of eyes in a darkened environment Palpation of limbs, back, and musculoskeletal system Assessment of conformation and general health Stage 2 – In-Hand Examination (Walk & Trot Assessment) Walk and trot in straight lines on a firm surface Circles on both reins Backing up where appropriate Flexion tests where indicated and safe Optional lungeing on hard surface if facilities allow Stage 3 – Exercise Phase (Strenuous Exercise Evaluation) Ridden exercise where possible or lungeing if unbacked Assessment of walk, trot, canter (and gallop where appropriate) Evaluation of performance, willingness, and behaviour under workload Cardiovascular and respiratory response to exercise Stage 4 – Rest and Recovery Phase Horse allowed to recover after exercise Monitoring of heart rate and respiratory recovery Observation for stiffness, discomfort, or behavioural change Assessment of post-exercise clinical status Stage 5 – Second In-Hand Examination (Post-Exercise Reassessment) Repeat walk and trot assessment Re-evaluation of flexion responses where appropriate Comparison with initial movement assessment Identification of any exercise-induced lameness or abnormalities 4. Limitations of the Examination The Client acknowledges that a PPE is a single point-in-time clinical assessment and does not guarantee future soundness, performance, or suitability. Findings may be influenced by environmental conditions, surface, rider, fitness level, and the horse’s clinical presentation on the day. 4.1 Limitations of a Reduced (2-Stage) Examination Where a shortened or limited examination is performed (commonly referred to as a “2-stage PPE”), the Client acknowledges that this provides significantly reduced diagnostic information compared to a full 5-stage examination. A 2-stage PPE typically includes only: Static examination Basic in-hand walk and trot assessment The Client understands that: No exercise tolerance assessment is performed, meaning issues that only appear under ridden or strenuous exercise may not be detected No post-exercise evaluation is carried out, so fatigue-related or exercise-induced lameness may be missed Reduced ability to detect intermittent or subtle lameness, particularly conditions that only appear after workload No assessment of ridden performance, behaviour, or suitability under work Higher risk of false-negative findings, particularly for early or low-grade musculoskeletal disease Less information overall for purchase decision-making compared to a 5-stage PPE A 2-stage PPE therefore carries a greater inherent limitation in predictive value. 4.2 Full (5-Stage Examination Context A full 5-stage PPE provides a more comprehensive assessment by including: Static examination In-hand gait assessment Exercise phase Rest and recovery evaluation Post-exercise re-examination This allows assessment of the horse under increasing physiological stress, improving detection of clinically significant abnormalities. 4.3 General Interpretation Limitation The Client further acknowledges that: Some conditions may not be detectable at the time of examination Intermittent or early-stage disease may not be identified No PPE can predict future injury or performance capability All findings must be interpreted in the context of intended use and risk tolerance 5. Blood Sampling & Additional Diagnostics Blood samples may be taken and stored for drug screening if required Additional diagnostics (radiography) may be recommended Flexion tests and lungeing are performed at veterinary discretion where safe 6. Client and Seller Responsibilities The Client and Seller agree to: Define intended use of the horse clearly Provide safe facilities and competent handling Disclose relevant medical history where known Accept that incomplete history may affect interpretation 7. Veterinary Opinion & Reporting Verbal findings are provided on the day where possible A written PPE certificate/report will be issued thereafter Findings represent clinical opinion at the time of examination only 8. Liability EB Equine performs all examinations with reasonable skill and care. However: No guarantee is given regarding future soundness or performance No responsibility is accepted for conditions not detectable at examination No liability is accepted for decisions made based on PPE findings No responsibility is accepted for post-purchase changes in condition Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for negligence causing death or personal injury where legally applicable. 9. Payment Terms Fees agreed prior to examination Payment due within 24 hours of booking the appointment - this time slot will be filled if payment is not fulfilled within this period. Additional procedures charged separately if required Insurance claims remain the Client’s responsibility 10. Insurance The Client acknowledges: Insurance coverage varies and must be confirmed independently PPEs are advisory only No guarantee of insurance acceptance or cover is given 11. Data Protection All data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and used solely for veterinary and legal documentation purposes unless otherwise required by law. 12. Acceptance of Terms By booking or proceeding with a PPE with EB Equine, the Client confirms they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions, including the staged examination structure and its limitations.